Real-time MRI-guided targeted endomyocardial biopsy of radiofrequency ablation lesions in a porcine model

The diagnostic success of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) under X-ray guidance is limited. In a proof-of-concept study we confirmed that targeted endomyocardial biopsy under real-time imaging improves diagnostic accuracy of EMB in localized myocardial lesions. Our goal is to further develop real-time MRI-guided EMB into a diagnostic tool that is superior to today`s clinical practice and ready to enter clinical application. In the first milestone, we now aim to demonstrate that a newly developed prototype for an MR-compatible bioptome addresses the technical problems encountered during our proof-of-principle study and has procedural success rates similar to conventional steel bioptomes that are routinely used under fluoroscopic guidance. If such procedural success rates can be achieved (milestone 1) we will continue with the entire project (2020-2023) to develop a procedure that is clinically relevant and applicable.